To conclude the Walrus and the Carpenter (from the Autumn newsletter): we’ve had the Seven Maids with Seven Mops (though most of them were male!) but only for a morning and indeed it would take more than half a year to get it clear. But, as our encouraging ecologist replied to my report: “The pond has taken many years to get into the condition it is - and you taking a few to get it back to something more ecologically sound should not be viewed as a problem.”
“Ecologically sound”, I like that. So, still no bitter tears.
To recap: we had a small team from the Chiltern Rangers nature conservation enterprise who joined in with seven (oh, there were seven!) villagers who paddled, waded and raked doggedly for three hours, only interrupted by a fine elevenses at Audrey and Hugh McDaid’s house.
The job didn’t go as well as I had hoped. With a cautious wisdom it was described as ‘experimental’ by our team leader. Our methods weren’t very efficient. If money went through my hands at the rate silt went through our rakes’ tines I’d be ….poor. The retaining revetment wasn’t built but we can weave some low hurdles made from split hazel which I am advised to reinforce with logs (we have plenty on the Common) and any brash we generate. Then maybe the exciting bit – to plant it with suitable plants to consolidate the silt.
It has provided opportunities to develop some creative methods of shifting silt to where we want it. If at first you don’t succeed - adapt.
Graham Thorne
Many thanks to Chris, Audrey, Derek, Dave, Jeremy and Derek2 and Graham